"A sip of a Mount Veeder wine transports you to the mountain. The wine is dense and concentrated, which is indicative of the small vines, low yields, and tiny berries of the mountainside locale. The dark, brambly fruit and sweet herbal notes evoke the forest and bay trees adjacent to the vineyards."
— Janet Myers, Winemaker
Rugged mountain conditions produce grapes with intensely concentrated fruit and big, rich tannins. Taming these tannins and preserving flavor are the high-altitude winemaker's biggest challenge. Because Mount Veeder's growing season starts late and often stretches well into November, harvest is a waiting game. But patience is rewarded with fully-developed flavors and ripe, rich tannins in the skins and seeds.
We handle Mount Veeder Winery grapes as little as possible, using tested techniques to bring out the concentration and power that mountain grapes reveal. All lots are given a cold soak and frequent punch downs to achieve maximum extraction of fruit flavors and color, while extended contact with the skins encourages the tannins to soften and meld. Finally, aging in finely-grained French oak barrels promotes harmony and integration, and blending enhances the strengths of each varietal to achieve balance in the final wine.